Swindon Town 2 Luton Town 3

Last updated : 11 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Mike Newell's Luton recorded their second win in four days as they overcame Swindon 3-2 in a dramatic match.

Newell saw his side go two goals ahead on two occasions, but the home side refused to lie down as they fought hard near the end to force an equaliser.

The visitors fired an early warning after only four minutes when captain Kevin Nicholls found on-loan striker Rowan Vine in space and his low left-foot shot was palmed onto the post by Robins keeper Rhys Evans.

The Hatters were not to be denied after 24 minutes when Vine was fouled in the box by defender Sean O'Hanlon.

Captain Nicholls scored from the resulting penalty and 13 minutes later they increased their lead when Swindon striker Rory Fallon headed into his own net from Steve Robinson's curling free-kick.

A minute before half-time Luton nearly added a third when defender Chris Coyne headed wide from six yards out, before the Robins pulled one back with their first real effort on goal.

Coyne slipped in the box and home striker Sam Parkin took advantage to lob keeper Marlon Beresford to give the home side hope.

But just six minutes into the second half Luton went further ahead when Sol Davis' long free-kick found Coyne in the six-yard box and he nodded the ball back for Steve Howard to head in a third.

After 65 minutes Swindon again fought back when Brian Howard's corner from the right was headed home by Alan Reeves.

Seconds later Luton keeper Beresford pulled off an outstanding one-handed save to deny Brian Howard from 25 yards.

Swindon pushed for an equaliser and their wish was nearly granted after 78 minutes when Andy Gurney right-wing cross found Matt Hewlett six yards out, only for his header to sail over the bar.